The Nigeria Professional Football League youth coaching clinic has come to an end in Abuja.

The clinic was a product of the NPFL-LaLiga Commercial and Technical partnership as Nigerian academy coaches were put through on the basics of youth team training.

Speaking at the end of the event, Oscar Bruzon one of the trainers from the LaLiga, believes the coaches have learnt a lot and he noticed, in their approach during practice as all the participants showed great enthusiasm all through.

"It is not just about coming to speak to these coaches, but their approach and the interest they showed in the knowledge we have shared. They really encouraged us and I can say I'm impressed with their response. I'm a coach not a teacher, which means David and I have also learnt a lot from them," Bruzon told npfl.ng.

"We have shared our methodology, technical and tactical skills. Like I said on the first day that Nigeria is not an emerging country but a powerful country in football and that was displayed all through the sessions with the coaches. I'm sure we have all benefited a lot from this programme."

Participants who shared their thoughts at the end of the event particularly pointed out on the timeliness of the clinic while stressing that it was an eye-opener for them.

According to former Rivers United defender, Odinga Odinga, who used the opportunity to launch himself into coaching, stated that he gained a lot during the event.

"The League Management Company has done well to bring this coaching course to Nigeria. In just three days, I have gained a lot. My knowledge has been expanded from what I learnt while playing the game and this is a good way for me to launch into coaching," enthused Odinga.

For former Nigerian international, Patrick Pascal, the clinic is timely.

"This clinic has come at the right time. It will help reposition our football philosophy as we are restructuring our football from the youth level, following the failure of our youth teams to qualify for any tournament this year. This has exposed all of us to how we should grow and develop our football from the grassroots," said Pascal.

Pascal added that he was able to acquire knowledge on how to identify future talents.

Coach Ezekiel Onyegbulam of Heartland FC, a National League side, revealed that he has picked out his errors and cannot wait to apply what he has just learnt.

"I have basically learnt all about transition and more on the tactical part of the game. From possession football, to finishing and defending," he said.

The coaching clinic, which ran from March 4 to 6, was well attended by coaches from the NPFL youth teams and the Nationwide League One.

About NPFL

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is the elite League of Nigeria's Football Federation, embracing the 20 most competitive club sides in the country. Its existence dates back to 1990 when a law came into effect to introduce professional football in the country. Read More